An angiogram is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a specialized contrast dye and X-rays to visualize blood flow within your arteries or veins. During the test, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel, typically in the groin or wrist, and guided to the area being examined. The purpose of this test is to detect blockages, narrowings, or other abnormalities in the blood vessels. Understanding the recovery process is important for ensuring a smooth and safe return to your daily routine.
Immediate Recovery and Monitoring
The period immediately following the procedure focuses on safely closing the access site and stabilizing the patient. Once the catheter is removed, direct pressure or a specialized closure device seals the small puncture in the artery wall. If the catheter was placed in the femoral artery (groin), you must lie flat for two to six hours to prevent bleeding.
If the radial artery (wrist) was used, the required period of strict flat rest is often much shorter, allowing you to sit up and move around sooner. Nurses will frequently monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and the puncture site for signs of bleeding or swelling. It is also important to drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids, such as water, to help your kidneys flush the contrast dye from your system.
Home Care Instructions and Activity Limitations
Once discharged, focus on protecting the puncture site and gradually resuming light activity. For the first 24 hours, keep the access site clean and dry, often with a bandage or dressing applied by the hospital staff. It is normal to observe minor bruising or a small, non-expanding lump, which is a collection of blood under the skin called a hematoma.
You may shower 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, but avoid soaking the site by taking a bath, swimming, or using a hot tub for about one week to prevent infection. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for the first 48 to 72 hours. Refrain from lifting anything weighing more than 5 to 10 pounds, as this can strain the healing artery and cause complications like bleeding or hematoma formation.
Driving is restricted for at least 24 hours, or longer if you received sedation, because reaction time may be impaired. If the femoral approach was used, avoid excessive bending, squatting, or any activity that strains the hip for several days. If the radial approach was used, limit forceful gripping or twisting motions with the affected wrist.
Recognizing Post-Procedure Warning Signs
While most people recover without complication, know which symptoms require immediate medical attention. The most urgent sign is excessive, uncontrolled bleeding at the puncture site that does not stop after applying firm pressure for 10 to 15 minutes. A rapidly growing or painful lump at the access site also suggests a significant bleed under the skin.
Monitor for signs of infection, including a fever higher than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, increased warmth, spreading redness, or thick, yellow or green drainage from the wound. Reduced blood flow to the accessed limb is another concern. Symptoms like severe or sudden pain, numbness, tingling, coldness, or a pale or bluish color in the hand or foot require prompt medical evaluation.
If you experience sudden chest pain, shortness of breath not relieved by rest, or signs of a stroke (like sudden weakness or difficulty speaking), seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms suggest a serious medical event unrelated to the puncture site. When in doubt, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency services.
Receiving the Results and Follow-Up Planning
The diagnostic phase concludes with the medical team reviewing the images captured during the procedure. In many cases, the physician who performed the angiogram can provide preliminary findings immediately after the test is complete. The finalized, detailed report, reviewed by a cardiologist or specialist, may take several days to be formally generated and sent to your referring physician.
A follow-up appointment with your cardiologist or primary care doctor is necessary, typically scheduled within one to two weeks after the procedure. This appointment is used to thoroughly discuss the angiogram results and determine the next steps for your health management. Depending on the findings, the plan may involve adjusting current medications, modifying your diet and exercise routine, or scheduling a subsequent procedure, such as an angioplasty or surgery.